The Fergus Falls Daily Journal

By For the Journal

• Latest Stories

  • Production Worker
  • Auto Mechanic
  • Transmission Rebuilding Mechanic
  • Delivery Truck Driver
  • Home Care Aide

MN farmers support schools through grant program [UPDATED]

Published 10:03am Wednesday, January 23, 2013 Updated 12:04pm Wednesday, January 23, 2013

For the second consecutive year, America’s Farmers Grow Rural Education SM, sponsored by the Monsanto Fund, will give Minnesota farmers the opportunity to enhance math and science programs in their communities.

Now until April 15, farmers can nominate a local public school district to compete for a merit-based grant of up to $25,000.

Administrators of nominated school districts may then submit grant applications through April 30. This year, the program expands to 26 new counties, for a total of 1,271 eligible counties across 39 states.

The America’s Farmers Grow Rural Education program is part of a broad commitment by the Monsanto Fund to highlight the important contributions farmers make every day to society.

Following a successful pilot in Minnesota and Illinois, America’s Farmers Grow Rural Education debuted nationally last year, awarding $2.3 million to school districts coast to coast.

“We believe engaging rural youth in their math and science studies lays the foundation for a bright future,” said Deborah Patterson, Monsanto Fund president. “This generation is the future of agriculture, and funding from the Grow Rural Education program helps ensure they are ready to be the next great leaders.”

Eligible farmers can nominate their favorite public school district by visiting www.GrowRuralEducation.com and following the “Nominate Now” link on the top, left-hand corner of the page. Farmers may also nominate a school district by calling 1-877-267-3332.